Home

Sharing this art project with the world means so much to me. I was inspired with this idea two years ago and since then I have worked out all the logistics to take the idea from a dream to a reality. Please Scroll Down to Read My Story!

Dressage Background:I fell in love with horses at the age of 7 and have been riding and drawing them ever since. I truly feel that this art project has been a part of my destiny. Twenty-five years of dressage training and practicing my abilities as an artist have enabled me with the skills to complete this project. I have been training in the art of dressage since I was 13 years old at the Isaac Royal Academy of Equestrian Arts. I pursued Olympic dreams and worked very hard to become a dressage judge and accomplished competition rider. But over the years I faced many challenges and tragedies that knocked me off my course, or so I thought! I kept drifting towards more creative business ventures and that is how I came to be at this stage of my life. I always hoped to do something unique and inspire others to follow their dreams.

My Painting Horse:Rovandio, aka "Rovy" is a very special 13 year old Andalusian/Lipizzan gelding that was born at Isaac Royal Farm. I trained his mother for many years until an injury gave her a new job as a broodmare. Rovandio was her first foal so I have known him ever since he was born. As fate would have it he became my mother-in-law's horse and he continues his dressage training with me and brings her joy every day as he learns new skills. Rovy is a reliable and trust worthy mount. The first day I showed him the canvas and the paint set-up he was happy to cooperate. He loves to perform and show off for an audience. You can see videos of him performing with my Friesian gelding Douwe on my website.

Bitless & Bareback:I ride Rovy in a Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle every day in training and also when performing. He prefers to be bitless and I am happy that he is comfortable. I also think he is more comfortable without a saddle as well, it is easier for me to feel his muscles and movement using the bareback pad. It also helps keep me "in the moment" with him and be inspired to create art. I believe that less is more and if I can ride my horse without a bit or saddle than why not?

This video was made by the amazing interns at the Innovation Center for the University of Maine. Thank you Christine Le, Courtney Norman, Matthew Bullard and Jacob Pelkey for doing such a great job on this project.

Also a special thanks to the Top Gun Entrepreneur Program run by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, Jesse Moriarty and Jennifer Hooper for helping me this year in my business.
Show less